defrost

American  

[dih-frawst, -frost] / dɪˈfrɔst, -ˈfrɒst /

verb (used with object)

1. to remove the frost or ice from.

   to defrost a refrigerator; to defrost the windshield of a car.

2. to thaw or partially thaw (frozen food).

---

verb (used without object)

1. to become free of ice or frost.

   The refrigerator defrosted quickly.

2. to thaw, as frozen food.

   The meat took two hours to defrost.

defrost British  

/ diːˈfrɒst /

verb

1. to make or become free of frost or ice

2. to thaw, esp through removal from a refrigerator

---

Etymology

Origin of defrost

First recorded in 1890–95; de- + frost

Related Words

• thaw